GitHub copilot cloud agent adds reasoning level controls
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According to the GitHub changelog published on 3 August 2026, users can now customise the reasoning level for the Copilot cloud agent. GitHub states that users can pick a reasoning level alongside the model when starting a task, and the agent will use it for that run. The feature is available for models that support it. GitHub notes that this control allows users to manage how much the model reasons before it responds. A higher level can improve answers to complex problems, but the GitHub changelog states that it consumes more tokens and therefore more credits.
Available plans
The changelog states that this new feature is available on paid Copilot plans that include the Copilot cloud agent. GitHub lists these eligible tiers as Copilot Pro, Pro+, Business, Enterprise, and Max. The GitHub changelog does not state the exact credit cost per level or provide benchmark data for how much accuracy improves at higher settings.
Is it worth it?
This update is a better deal for users on paid plans who regularly tackle complex coding problems and need finer control over agent behaviour. Users who strictly handle simple tasks should avoid higher reasoning settings to conserve their token credits. Before switching your default habits, you would want to check how many additional credits higher reasoning levels consume on your specific plan.
What this changes for tools we list
- GitHub Copilot — GitHub Copilot cloud agent users on paid plans can now select custom reasoning levels when starting a task, trading higher credit consumption for potentially better answers on complex problems.
Sources
- Customize the reasoning level for Copilot cloud agent — GitHub Changelog, 3 August 2026